hidden colors 5 full documentary release date

LCA is estimated to affect between one and two babies out of every 100,000 births, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.īoth patients have a version of the disease caused by a defect in the gene CEP290, which regulates a protein that keeps the eye healthy. The components of CRISPR-Cas9 – the DNA sequence and the enzymes needed to implant it – are often sent into the body on the back of a harmless virus so scientists can control where they go.Ĭas9 enzymes can then cut strands of DNA, effectively turning off a gene, or remove sections of DNA to be replaced with the CRISPRs, which are new sections sent in to change the gene and have an effect they have been pre-programmed to produce.īut the process is controversial because it could be used to change babies in the womb – initially to treat diseases – but could lead to a rise in 'designer babies' as doctors offer ways to change embryos' DNA. In humans, genes act as blueprints for many processes and characteristics in the body – they dictate everything from the colour of your eyes and hair to whether or not you have cancer. Technically called CRISPR-Cas9, the process involves sending new strands of DNA and enzymes into organisms to edit their genes. The CRISPR gene editing technique is being used an increasing amount in health research because it can change the building blocks of the body.Īt a basic level, CRISPR works as a DNA cutting-and-pasting operation. It was the first time CRISPR – which has shown promise in treating conditions like sickle cell disease - had ever been used to edit a person's genes inside their body. The pair signed up to receive the experimental treatment at the Oregon Health & Science University in May. Ms Knight, from Portland, Oregon, said she could finally see color clearly for the first time since she was a child, which she described as 'just amazing'. To celebrate, she has dyed her hair her favorite color - green. That was a very, very fun joyous moment.' He told National Public Radio: 'I could see the DJ's strobe lights change color and identify them to my cousins who were dancing with me. Mr Kalberer, from Long Island, revealed he was able to recognise relatives on the dancefloor of his cousin's wedding, something which had been impossible for years.

While their vision has not been fully restored, they are able to see colors, navigate hallways and make out silhouettes. Michael Kalberer, 43, and Carlene Knight, 54, both suffer from an incurable eye disease which robbed them of their vision in adulthood.Įarlier this year, they were among seven patients who allowed scientists to modify their DNA by injecting them with the gene-editing tool CRISPR. Blind patients have been able to recognise family members for the first time in years after volunteering for a pioneering gene-editing experiment.

Hidden colors 5 full documentary release date